Heyman’s reported that sources close to Soriano said that at the end of 2012 season, he plans to opt-out of his $14 million player-option, as Soriano hopes of signing a multi-year deal with a team that will use him as a closer.

This is not a new subject but just not one that needed or warranted any discussion until this season is over. But it is what it is and it is out there now so here is my stance.

SORIANO TO YANKEES:

Soriano’s success was not randomly nor recently discovered when he came to New York, as 2012 marks his 11th season in the Bigs.

The year before the Yankees inked Soriano, he was the AL saves leader (45) in 2010 with the Rays and made the All-Star team.

Still, everyone knew that Soriano was a last-ditch, consolation prize courtesy of Hal Steinbrenner and Randy Levine in attempts to make up for not landing Cliff Lee.

Even GM Brian Cashman made it public knowledge on ESPN New York that he didn’t recommend the deal, but he did say that the Yankees were much tougher with Soriano on the team than not.

And even under such harsh opinions, Soriano said the following on at his Yankees press conference:

“I know that a lot of people will find this strange, but I’m very happy to be close to one of the greatest closers. And hopefully in the future, I will after being a setup man, be a closer, too. I’m going to learn a lot from him.”

SETUP TO CLOSER:

Soriano stepped into the closer role when the great Mariano Rivera went down back in May. It was the cruelest circumstance to have to show your ability, especially in Yankee Universe.

And I can speak for Yankee fans everywhere when I state that without Soriano’s consistency and dominance, the Yankees would not have survived at all this season.

Soriano has made 40 saves in 43 attempts in Mo’s absence, posting a 2.07 ERA, with 68 strikeouts over 61 innings pitched. He has held opposing batters to a .218 batting average, and has allowed just four homers all season, and in hitting friendly Yankee Stadium.

Many, including myself arguably think that Soriano has been the team MVP in 2012, even over Derek Jeter and Hiroki Kuroda.

So justifiably, if Soriano doesn’t want to go back to being a set-up man for Mo and you can’t really blame him.

His talent as a savior became so grossly clear the moment he took the mound as the Yankees closer.

Now I adore Mo like everyone else, but the Yankees cannot let Soriano walk at the end of this season.

Other teams will be salivating at the thought of acquiring Soriano’s services long-term, especially with the lack of free agent closers on the upcoming market.

When and if the 40-year old Rivera comes back, which is the hope, it will be for one season maximum so keeping Soriano is the logical thing to do.

MAKE SIGNING SORIANO A TOP PRIORITY, and I mean at the Cano-Granderson level.

It might cost the Yankees a ton, but it secures a replacement for Mo that has proven worthy; and that is HUGE.

Glad to see your still around. Maybe Kate will write about the remaining schedule for the contending teams. I see lots of drama which will benefit the Yanks. To be honest I'm still getting over that Giants game. Wow.

Richard….I am still in a state from the NYG game too!! Talk about Jekyll and Hyde…but that is Giants football for you. The G-Men never make it easy on themselves or the fans, but the formula has brought success to NY/NJ and you got to give credit to Eli Manning for his leadership.

Now about the Yankees remaining schedule, I could do a post on the contenders as I know the Yankees schedule works in their favor but it also doesn't so maybe I will post why that is tonight.

Hi Kate, of course, that's all we do: opinionate. What else can we do in here?

Wait…yes, I almost forgot how you did more than just opinionating in the past…from unabashed bashing of Phil Hughes and disrepectful commenting on our newly acquired vets and yankeephobic doomsaying based on your fascination with uncategorized STATS…to, more recently, positive yankeephilic blogs which I find refreshing during this gut- wrenching pennant race.

Well, it's about time you blog like a true Yankee fan.

Now, remember how you have been wrong about "useless Hughes" and "washed up", "long shot" "done" vets(yes Kate, that's the respectful way to refer to 'em) and "Brian's fart" "crap" trades so that perhaps in the future you would pause for a while, think more than twice when your bashing and disrespecting nature gets the best of you… before you write.

It's just my opinion. ..about how you have turned around to less abrasive, actually pleasant writer. Keep it up… Kate, baby.

CNY you are totally right, I was semi-wrong about Hughes but the jury is still out for me. I need Hughes to pitch solidly for a full season, and that would start with the playoffs, if the Yankees get in that is. Hughes comes up big in the postseason and that would be huge, followed by a strong 2013 campaign and I wills happily stick both my feet in my mouth.

Mo's 2011 ERA, ERA+, WHIP, SO/9, are LOWER than his career average. H/9 are the same. So hitter's are actually hitting it the same, but he is More effective. I hope we have Mo for 2013 and Soriano for years to come. Your kidding yourself if you don't think he'll be back with us.

Phil…I have to agree with you about signing Soriano….I adore Mo too but to let him come back next season when we have top 3 closer in baseball already doesn't make sense on paper. Mariano, the person can do whatever he wants b/c he has earned that right and I will respect it. Just hope the Yankees don't lose Soriano in the process.